Bissau - On 28 December 2009, former Rear Admiral Americo Bubo Na Tchuto entered United Nations premises in Bissau unnanounced and requested protection, stating that he was afraid for his life. Aware of the serious allegations he faces, and also mindful of international human rights obligations governing such situations, the United Nations has been in constant contact since that time with national authorities with a view to resolving the matter peacefully and lawfully.

The United Nations system in Guinea-Bissau wishes to extend appreciation to the Government of Guinea-Bissau for the steps they are taking to find a prompt, adequate and proper resolution to the problem of the presence of Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto in the UN compound.

This is a regrettable situation that landed on our door step, however we are eager to resolve it as quickly as possible. We urge patience on the part of the national authorities while we work with them to arrive at an acceptable, peaceful, lawful solution.